Taboo: voxpop about Mohammed

Probably nothing makes Muslims who take to the streets more furious than criticism of their prophet. Only a few persons — who are frequently faced with death threats — dare state their honest opinion about Mohammed, who may or may not have lived some 1,400 years ago. But what do ordinary men or women think of him? Dispatch International has asked a number of ordinary Danes and Swedes their opinion of the man who started Islam. Of those who had the courage to speak out, we got some very down-to-earth statements about one of the most influential figures in history.

“It would be utterly unscientific to make any sort of claims about the Arab prophet Mohammed, as there is no original evidence of his life or actions, such as coins carrying his name, as would have been minted quickly at that time. The – varying and contradictory – descriptions that do exist of Mohammed, arose centuries after he is supposed to have lived and died, which is highly unusual. Apart from that, the behavior that the Quran ascribes to him is extremely controversial and deeply shocking,” says Erik (66), a pensioner in Copenhagen.

“I feel nothing for him. Full bear, turban and a scimitar is not exactly my type (laughing).” Sofie (21), student of English, Aarhus

“I have always wondered why anyone would want to follow a man like Mohammed. If anyone in our society were actually to try to follow his example, I believe he would be diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic and be jailed for pedophilia. From what I have heard and read about him, he comes across as a man mainly interested in gaining power over others and fulfilling his own desires by using the words of God.” Søren (42), physiotherapist, Odense.

“What I feel for Mohammed? Nothing” Göran (32), pedagogue, Malmö

“It is incomprehensible to me how many uncritically follow a man who obviously is not quite in his right mind.” Mike (26), IT consultant, Frederiksberg

“He must have been a really ugly guy, since he does not want images to be made of him (laughing)” Anne (22), student of English, Aarhus

“Judging from the behavior of his followers, one may safely assume that he has some problems with his temper. This is not a man I would like to have as my neighbor.” Isak (50), architect, Stockholm

“According to what I have read, I do not believe that he existed. He was merely a legendary figure, meant to be the focal point of a culture, and a model for Muslims lacking the courage to go on Jihad.” Maja (38), school teacher, Stockholm.

“If he really existed, I think he was nuts. He heard voices, he had sex with a minor girl, killed lots of people, and proclaimed himself a prophet. Today, this kind of person would be in an institution for the criminally insane. I don’t feel as much for him as for the billion people forced by the Sharia to follow his example. In particular the women.” Marina (56), school teacher, Stockholm

“As for my feelings towards Mohammed, who is considered the ideal man for Muslims to emulate – even today – I must admit that I do not have any. Mohammed is, according to recent archaeological research, a fictive person invented to provide legitimacy for the rule of the Caliphs and for imposing ancient Arabic law, Sharia, in the countries conquered by Muslims. On the other hand, I have lots of compassion for those Muslims who even today are forced to live under a system worse than Medieval Europe, in particular that puts the women under the control of the family and the clan. Liberating the Islamic world from political Islam, and – most importantly – giving Muslim women their freedom back, is a worthy task for idealists of our age.” Holger, 49, historian, Skjern